“I’ve been to college job fairs so far, but this is the best so far in terms of approachability, opportunities, and general interactions with companies. It left a good impression as my first professional career fair,” says Seqen, an electrical engineering student who just moved to DC after graduating from Penn State.
"I see the legal documents for solar all the time, but I wanted to get up close and personal with the installation process," said Karen, a WGL Holdings (WGL) employee and first time GRID volunteer. On November 4th, 2017, Karen was given the opportunity to learn the solar installation process – in person.
“I just really love to learn,” said Tarik Mickel, when asked about his hectic schedule and commitment to study solar. Even after a full day of working on the roof or attending workshops through our Solar Works DC job training program, he still has the energy to play hide-and-go-seek with his young kids and crack open his solar photovoltaic text books late into the evening.
On August 26, 2017, a diverse volunteer group including women employees from the Inter-American Development Bank’s energy division kicked off the largest solar array in Prince George’s County, Maryland for We Build.
“I’m very grateful and very blessed to be part of this program,” said Homeowner Pamela, “…and I’m happy to have the sun!” followed up Homeowner Wade. The two Baltimore neighbors stood beaming, on one of the hottest days of the August, talking about their experience going solar with GRID Alternatives.
After six weeks of solar training, the inaugural Solar Works DC cohort graduated in August. Solar Works DC is a low-income solar installation and job-training program spearheaded by the Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) and the Department of Employment Services (DOES). GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic is implementing the first year of the program, preparing District residents to enter careers in solar and related fields while reducing energy costs for qualified low-income District homeowners.
“If I could sum up today in a few words I’d say ‘satisfying, sweaty, heat’.” said Marcus Jones, Branch Manager at Wells Fargo. Seven volunteers from Wells Fargo, came out on sticky and hot, 95 degree day in July to install a solar system for a low-income homeowner in Baltimore’s Berea neighborhood, Mr. Darnell Edmond.
“The solar panels are getting a workout right now,” exclaimed DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, referencing the abundant sunshine on Monday morning, as Solar Works DC job trainees gathered behind the Mayor in their gold shirts for the official Solar Works DC kick-off event.
